A Judge, a Quilter, and a Community Leader at Sierra Winds
For Ruth, life has been a series of chapters, each one full of purpose, resilience, and service to others. From raising her sons in Montana to serving as a county judge to finding her perfect home at Sierra Winds, Ruth has lived each chapter with grace and determination.
From Montana Plains to Public Service
Ruth grew up on 10 acres in Kansas until second grade, then moved closer to Kansas City to continue her schooling. She married young, following her first husband’s forestry career around the western United States. Though she once imagined life among the pines, his job eventually kept him behind a desk.
After their divorce, Ruth found herself on her own with two teenage sons, and that’s when she discovered her true calling. “One day, my boys met me at the door and said, ‘Mom, you’ve listened to every disagreement we’ve ever had and explained how right or wrong we each were. You can do that for other people. We want you to run for county judge. We’ll take care of everything to get you elected.’”
Their faith in her paid off. Ruth won the election and served as a Montana county judge for 10 years, even earning a standing ovation for her teaching, organization and training work with the Montana Magistrates Association as the first female president of the group.
A New Chapter in Arizona
After remarrying, Ruth moved to Arizona, determined to stay active. She taught quilting across the Valley, then managed the Sun Valley Quilt store, combining her love of craft and community.
But it was her second husband who made sure Ruth would always have security and comfort. “He didn’t want me to ever worry about anything after he was gone,” Ruth recalls. While still living in Montana, they spotted an ad for Sierra Winds in a respected military magazine. One weekend visit to Arizona was all it took.
“We were used to big open spaces and had never even been inside an apartment,” she says. “But I knew I wanted a third-story apartment, east-facing, so I could see forever. And that’s exactly what I got.”
A Vibrant Life at Sierra Winds
Ruth has called Sierra Winds home since 1998, and she’s made her mark in nearly every corner of the community. When the chapel’s minister retired, she felt a quiet nudge to step in. “I couldn’t sleep knowing the chapel was closed,” she says. “I prayed, and the Lord told me to open it.” For the past 10 years, Ruth has coordinated the chapel services, organizing speakers, musicians, and keeping the spiritual heart of the community alive.
She’s also served in nearly every committee office at Sierra Winds and continues to be a warm, guiding presence for her neighbors. “This place is designed to keep us safe and healthy,” she explains. “So many of us live into our hundreds here because we’re so well cared for.”
Family, Faith, and Hobbies
Ruth’s two sons still live in Montana, and she enjoys visits from her three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who are spread across Boston, Connecticut, and Portland. When she’s not coordinating chapel services, Ruth spends her time quilting, reading, and keeping up with her family on social media.
Her philosophy on life is as simple as it is wise: “You don’t fuss at it — you simply live life as it’s presented to you.”